120 Injured in Generation Z Protests in Mexico

SadaNews - At least 120 people, mostly police officers, were injured during widespread protests that took place in the streets of Mexico City on Saturday, organized by representatives of "Generation Z" in opposition to the policies of President Claudia Sheinbaum, particularly regarding security and the rise of violence linked to gangs.

The demonstrations began peacefully before turning into violent confrontations after a group of masked individuals intervened, according to the city's security chief, Pablo Vazquez.

Vazquez explained that 100 police officers were injured, including 40 who were hospitalized, while 20 protesters were also injured, and 20 individuals were arrested on charges including theft and assault, among them a suspect in the attack on a journalist.

The protesters raised a pirate flag inspired by the Japanese manga series "One Piece", which has become a symbol of youth protests globally, and they carried signs bearing the slogan "We are all Carlos Manzo", honoring the memory of the mayor of Uruapan who was assassinated in early November after opposing drug trafficking gangs.

As thousands of protesters marched through the streets of the capital, many wore hats similar to Manzo's, despite his widow denying any connection to these demonstrations.

Sheinbaum had questioned the motives behind the protests a few days earlier, describing them as "disorganized" and "paid for", considering them to be "foreign-supported".

The protesters gathered in front of the National Palace where the president resides, breaking parts of the surrounding metal fences, prompting police to disperse them using tear gas, amid angry chants accusing the government of failing to protect targeted politicians, and hundreds of young people hurling projectiles at the security forces.